Grammy-winning R&B artist D’Angelo died on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the age of 51 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to his family. The neo-soul innovator, whose birth name was Michael Eugene Archer, succumbed to the disease after what his family described as a prolonged and courageous fight.
In a statement, his family said, “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life.” They expressed gratitude for his impactful musical legacy and requested privacy during this challenging time.
D’Angelo played a significant role in revolutionizing R&B music in the 1990s by pioneering the neo-soul genre, which combined elements of traditional soul with contemporary hip-hop, jazz, and funk. His career began with co-producing the 1994 track “U Will Know” by Black Men United, which reached number five on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo exhibited musical talent early, teaching himself piano at the age of three. During his teenage years, he performed with local groups such as Three of a Kind, Michael Archer and Precise, and Intelligent, Deadly but Unique. At 18, he won the amateur talent competition at Harlem’s Apollo Theater three weeks in a row, which led to a publishing contract with EMI.
His 1995 debut album “Brown Sugar” established him as a significant presence in the music industry, remaining on the Billboard 200 chart for 65 weeks and achieving platinum status. Hits from the album included “Lady,” “Cruisin’,” and the title track, earning him Grammy nominations for Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
D’Angelo’s second album, “Voodoo,” released in January 2000, further solidified his status as an R&B icon and earned the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. The album was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York with a group of musicians known as the Soulquarians, which included drummer Questlove Thompson of The Roots, horn player Roy Hargrove, keyboardist James Poyser, bassist Pino Palladino, and producer J Dilla.
The third single from the album, “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” became notable for its provocative music video featuring D’Angelo appearing nude while performing the track. The video received four MTV Video Music Award nominations and elevated him to sex symbol status, although D’Angelo reportedly grew uncomfortable with the image and withdrew from the public eye.
After “Voodoo,” D’Angelo largely withdrew from public life for more than a decade, dealing with personal challenges, including alcoholism. He made occasional appearances on tracks by artists such as J Dilla, Snoop Dogg, Common, and Q-Tip. During this period, he also faced legal issues, including DUI and drug possession arrests.
In December 2014, after 14 years, D’Angelo released his third and final album, “Black Messiah,” with his band The Vanguard. The album earned him two additional Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Song for “Really Love.” Rolling Stone magazine ranked “Voodoo” at number 28 on its list of the greatest albums of all time, placing it above The Beatles’ White Album.
In his personal life, D’Angelo had a relationship with R&B singer Angie Stone in the 1990s, who inspired his “Brown Sugar” album. They had a son in 1998 before their relationship ended in 1999. Stone died earlier this year in a car accident in Alabama. D’Angelo had two other children and was never married.
In May 2025, D’Angelo canceled his planned headline performance at Philadelphia’s Roots Picnic due to unforeseen medical complications from earlier surgery. His doctors advised against performing, citing potential further complications. In his statement, he mentioned he was working on new music despite health issues.
RCA Records released a statement describing D’Angelo as a visionary who seamlessly integrated classic soul, funk, gospel, R&B, and jazz with hip-hop sensibility. The label emphasized that his songwriting, musicianship, and vocal style will continue to inspire future artists.
Tributes came from fellow musicians, including Beyoncé, who credited D’Angelo for pioneering neo-soul and transforming rhythm and blues. Lauryn Hill praised his talent and beauty as extraordinary. Other artists paying their respects included Doja Cat, Missy Elliott, Jill Scott, Jennifer Hudson, and Tyler the Creator.
D’Angelo is survived by three children: Imani, Michael, and Morocco Archer. His son Michael, whom he shared with Stone, expressed gratitude for the thoughts and prayers, acknowledging the strength instilled in him by both parents.
